by Sandy | Aug 26, 2009 | Arts, Entertainment and Music, Blogroll, Film, Movies, music
“I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day…”
The opening bass line that precedes the above lyric to the “Temptations” song “My Girl”, is instantly recognizable, instantly evoking a time/ place/age gone but still very much alive when the music plays. (I still know all the words.)
I watched the 2002 DVD, “Standing in the Shadows of Motown” again. It tells the story of the “Funk Brothers”, those musicians who rhythmically supported the stars of Motown with their piano, drums, horn section and guitars. According to the liner notes, “They played on more #1 records than the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Elvis combined…”
There are interviews, funny and touching, with the guys as they reminisce about their experiences at “Hitsville, USA”. Unknown by the thousands of us that religiously bought a new 45 whenever possible, they drove the beat behind the Motown hit records from the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder (he was “little” then), the Miracles, etc. The stars were good, but so was the band.
We are also treated to concert footage – artists of today singing the old songs. It’s been a long time, but the music lives – they do a great job, different but still great.
[ad#reviewpost]
by Bob Martin | Aug 20, 2009 | Art, music
This is one of two powerful presentations done by Wynton Marsalis on behalf of “The American for Arts Action Fund.” Marsalis is a wonderful story teller and teacher. The honesty in the telling of his stories is magical and insightful.
by Sandy | Aug 10, 2009 | Arts, Entertainment and Music, Blogroll, music
Formerly “Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles”, this fabulous group, Nona Hendryx, Sarah Dash and Patti LaBelle, changed their name to “LaBelle” in 1967 and sang, danced, sashayed their way to star status. Always in full costume, they sang great, put on a great show and were just fun.
Their classic album, “Nightbirds”, became a huge hit in 1975, (it included “Lady Marmalade”). The group split in 1976, went their successful separate ways and have returned with a new CD, “Back to Now”, released late last year.
The music is still terrific and judging by the CD cover, “LaBelle” still loves to dress up. I’m happy the ladies are back.
BTW – The group sang back up on the brilliant Laura Nyro album called “Gonna Take A Miracle” in 1971. Excellent.
by Sandy | Jul 31, 2009 | Arts, Entertainment and Music, Blogroll, Culture, music
Salif Keita, a native Mali, (the home of Timbuktu) blends the music and songs of his homeland with those of Cuba, Spain and the West coast of Africa (Senegal, Ivory Coast)
An exciting performer, Keita’s CDs capture all of the passion and emotion of his live performances.
Salif Keita’s recent releases:
Soro
M’Bemba
The Mansa of Mali…A Retrospective
by Sandy | Jul 25, 2009 | Arts, Entertainment and Music, Blogroll, Events, Live Performance, music, Poem, Theater
“for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf” at Southwest Arts Center until August 9.
Long title for a great play – saw it on Broadway in the late 70’s and recently saw a 1982 televised version on DVD. Perhaps not as shocking or controversial as it was when first seen, the collection of Ntozake Shange’s poems woven into a statement on love and relationships is still powerful.
The current “For Colored Girls…” revival has been updated with new music and choreography and is directed by Jasmine Guy. (Remember “Whitley” from the TV show “A Different World”?). Robin Givens and Nicole Ari Parker are featured in the 9 women ensemble that brings the play to life.
Southwest Arts Center – until 8/9/09
915 New Hope Rd SW, Atlanta, GA
by Bob Martin | Jul 22, 2009 | Live Performance, music
You’re going to want to dance this October 29th at the San Francisco Jazz Festival. Anoushka teams up with her more famous father to bring some international joy to the house. Tickets are on sale now
Ravi Shankar is an iconic and legendary musician. Listening to him play awakens a mystical spirit in me. I come away thinking I am wiser all of a sudden. Good reason to be there on the 29th of Oct.
